Karyn Kelly, West Coast Muscle

In this update we catch up with the chameleon figure of Karyn Kelly of Greymouth.  Karyn has been competing for 4 years and regularly competes in both figure and physique classes changing her body between these classes. More than a competitor, Karyn is the ultimate definition of a wonder woman and supermum. She is super motivated and loves to keep busy! Coupled with her work as clinical nurse, Karyn's also working towards getting her Masters while managing her family life as well.

*I must admit to being 39 years old, married to the farmer (Shane). We have two lovely children, Alana is 13 and Lachlan is 9.  They are both little athletes themselves and keep me busy with coaching and transporting (we live 30 minutes from town). I am a Registered nurse working at Grey Base Hospital as a clinical nurse specialist in cardiology, occupational health as well as
working with new graduate nurses...I like to be busy!! I am also studying and working towards a masters in clinical nursing.

*I took up bodybuilding in 2004, and have loved every minute of it. I like to challenge both my body and mind, and bodybuilding certainly takes dedication and commitment to both.  I have always been an athlete, gymnastics, dance, athletics, soccer, basketball...the list is endless, but I would have to say that bodybuilding is the most challenging and satisfying sport that I have ever participated in.  I love it.  I would also love it to get more exposure and a better understanding by the general public.  It is a greatly misunderstood sport and could do with bigger exposure/promotion.

*I love the difference between physique and figure and enjoy competing in both.  Both last year and this, I won South Island NZFBB open physique over 55kg and overall, NABBA open figure tall South Island, then went on to place second at the Nationals for both.  This year I also did the NABBA Pro Am in Palmerston North and placed second to the fabulous Annette Gallaher (what a lovely lady!)  I would have to say one of the best things about competing is meeting the amazing people who participate in the sport and catching up with them each year.  Kym Carter, Lisa Bellingham, Mandy Matheson, Ra Paku, Amanda Armatige, Daniel Hibbs...to name a few.  I also love catching up with
all the Judges and officials, what great people!

*I often get asked about coping pre competition season and how I balance all of my roles and responsibilities.  I guess organisation is the key, finding a routine that fits and sticking to it.  I do cardio early morning; I get out of bed at the same time as the farmer (0500hrs), and am done in time to get myself and the kids ready for the day. I am lucky to work office hours and with a good amount of self determination on hours of work and when I do them.  I train on the way home from work or sometimes at lunch time. 

After this I sometimes am coaching netball during the season, and than its home to cook dinner and cardio again.  I coordinate study around competition season and if I have to, I squeeze study in when I can; and weekends around training and kids sport.....it can feel like I'm juggling 20 balls sometimes, and occasionally expect all 20 to crash down on my head at some stage, however this is yet to happen!!   left: Karyn and her family

I think it really helps that I have a family who supports me during this time; Shane gives me a nudge when I need it, joins me on my eating plan (he has extras of course) and comes to
all my events if he is able.  The Kids love it and its normal for them now, since it has been a few years I've been competing, they also get involved and help me put my posing routines together.

*When doing a series of competitions, I think you get in the zone, and once you are entrenched in the routine of cardio, training and nutrition, it's relatively easy to stick with it.  I don't ever get the urge to pig out, but if I feel the need for extra food I make good choices and think of food as fuel rather than treats.  It helps to have a trainer who knows you well, knows what they are talking about, and who you can contact any time to get advice and guidance.  I am very lucky to have Rhys Morgan as my trainer, he is a skilled trainer who has great talent, and it always amazes me the results of his programs. He also grounds me when I need it and acts as a sports psychologist!!!  (What our poor trainers have to put up with at times!)


Karyn @ Pro-Am

*At this stage I'm planning on taking next year off competing (don't quote me on this), I have a research paper I need to complete and study block dates clash with the season.  I am planning on representing NZ with NABBA in the future however, and this is my focus for the next competition season I participate in.  I want to do this to the best of my ability, and another years training to improve in my weak areas makes sense to me (give me quads!!!!!)

*As I said earlier, I enjoy both physique and figure.  I like both equally, but for different reasons.  When competing as a physique on stage I get into a 'strong' frame of mind and look for my 'inner GRRRRR', I love the physique poses.  Figure feels more feminine and elegant, when on stage I return to my gymnastics and dance frame of mind, I guess its projection and presence, I
love the contrast to physique.

*How do I change condition for both.....the shoes have a lot to do with it!!!! (Rhys tweaks nutrition and cardio, looks at me as often as he can, its like fine tuning a car?) I essentially do as I'm told.

*I have two phases of pre competition preparation, I trim up my diet about 20 weeks out and then Rhys keeps and eye on me and makes the call on true preparation.  When I start depends entirely on how he thinks I'm looking.  I guess this means I ease into it then go hard out.


Karyn @ NZFBB Sth Island Champs

*I am lucky to be surrounded by friends and family who are fully supportive of me.  I also have great work colleagues who take an interest and are fully supportive.  My trainer has been the most influential, he was the one who suggested I take it up, and he has continued to be dedicated to my training and improvement each year, as well as keeping me focused and motivated. 

I am lucky to have Lynette Skeats as my training partner, she also keeps me grounded and motivated.  She had come to nearly all of my competitions with me, even when she isn't competing herself!! Now that's what you call a friend!

I look to people in the sport, who I admire for a variety of reasons, but the first athlete who took my eye was Jacquie Herbert the first year I competed in 2004, I thought she was amazing. Since then I have admired a huge number of athletes.  Those NZ bodybuilders who have represented the country with such success also inspire me, Annette, Ra, Jo, Mandy, Delaine, not to mention all the men.  I look forward to being good enough to do the same.  This is my ultimate goal in Bodybuilding (I would
also love to win a NZ title as an open competitor....I think I'm a specialist in coming second!!)

Karyn @ NABBA Nats

*As to the advice I would give other mums/ladies who want to take it up.....get a good trainer, make sure you are well supported, listen to your body and make wise choices when pushing yourself to the limit. Don't forget its about balance, you have a life too, its about enjoying the challenge and having fun, the competitions are the icing on the cake....the big focus is commitment, reaching goals, and training to your maximum all the time, thenyo u know you wont let yourself down on competition day irrelevant if you place or not.

It's a personal journey, it takes time, focus and gritty determination....you only live once.....if you have what it takes to do it, do it to the best of your ability.  Don't let others judge you, this is usually based on ignorance of the sport, have faith in yourself and just go for it!!!!

November, 08